2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class pricing

Which GLS-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Although the thumping power of the GLS 63 AMG is intriguing, the reality is that most buyers will be best served with the GLS 450. Its turbocharged V6 is powerful enough to haul you and your family of seven over hill and dale. A base-level 450 doesn't have a ton of features, but the price savings compared to the other trims means you can equip it with plenty of extras and still have money left over.

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Although Mercedes-Benz's GLE, GLC and G-Class SUVs get the lion's share of attention, the venerable 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the quiet but capable workhorse of the fleet. Unlike its stablemates, the GLS' roomy interior can carry up to seven adults in plush comfort. You can configure it with power-folding second-row seats for easy access to the third-row seat or, for cargo-carrying versatility, simply fold the seatbacks forward to fit up to 93.8 cubic feet of stuff. For large family duty, only a Sprinter van can do more from the Mercedes family.

But there are reasons the GLS doesn't get much hype. Its design is dated, which is most apparent on the technology front. Compared to Mercedes' other new models that feature the brand's latest MBUX infotainment control system, the GLS is still stuck with the older rotary-knob based system. Instead of large and colorful digital displays, you're presented with one display of moderate resolution, a bunch of fiddly buttons and a few knobs. In stark contrast, Audi has been constantly updating its Q7, and BMW has introduced its all-new seven-passenger BMW X7.

Some buyers will also hesitate on the GLS' price. Standard equipment is a little underwhelming, so you'll likely need to add a fair number of options to get the GLS up to a suitable level of luxury. But the 2019 GLS' ability to provide massive space and impressive passenger comfort keeps it in the running if you're buying a large luxury SUV.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a seven-passenger large luxury SUV that's offered in three models. The GLS 450 is the base model that's well-equipped but doesn't include many of the higher-end features you might expect in a luxury SUV. The GLS 550 ups the power and includes many features that are optional on the GLS 450. Finally, performance aficionados will be drawn to the ultra-powerful AMG GLS 63. All three feature standard all-wheel drive.

The Lighting package bundles adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams. You can get additional safety features from the Parking Assist package that includes parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system and a surround-view camera system. Also available are three-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and multicontour front seats with a massaging feature.

The GLS 550 starts with all of the above as standard, but it uses a turbocharged V8 engine (449 hp, 516 lb-ft). It also adds 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, sporty exterior styling cues, soft-close doors and upgraded interior trim.

Optional items on both the GLS 450 and the GLS 550 include a panoramic sunroof, heated second-row seats, diamond-quilted leather upholstery, and the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear collision mitigation). Also available is an Off-Road package that includes an upgraded multimode terrain selector, a dual-range transfer case and front underbody protection; on the GLS 450, it also adds the GLS 550's standard adaptive dampers. For 2019, a Grand Edition package pads on upgraded leather seating surfaces and, for the GLS 450, a few features that are otherwise optional.

The high-performance AMG GLS 63 starts with most of the above and is equipped with an even more powerful turbocharged V8 (577 hp, 561 lb-ft), exclusive 21-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, adaptive stabilizer bars (the Active Curve System in Mercedes-speak), AMG-specific styling elements inside and out, enhanced bolstering for the front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

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Most helpful consumer reviews

5 out of 5 stars, Luxury Chariot worth the money

Clarence Kearney, 10/19/2018

GLS 550 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 9A)

This is our second GLS550. It was easy to want the second one. This big SUV handles so well and is so easy to drive for hours on end. All the power , comfort and safety makes traveling so much better.
We liked it so much we have ordered the 2020 GLS580😎

5 out of 5 stars, Love the GLD

MikeK9, 11/26/2019

GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)

Quality through and through. All the room and features you’ll ever need and it toes my 24 foot boat! Worth the money.

Safety

Our experts’ favorite GLS-Class safety features:

Helps the driver keep the car going straight down the road by monitoring vehicle sensors and reacting to crosswinds.

Active Parking Assist

Lets you know when a parking spot is big enough for the car and helps the driver parallel park into the space.

Active Blind-Spot Assist

Warns you when a vehicle is in your blind spot. Can also help prevent accidents by steering the SUV back into the lane.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Class vs. the competition

Mercedes-Benz GLS Class vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE Class

Both the GLE and the GLS feature impeccable interiors and conservative styling that should age well. The GLS is much larger and roomier, while the GLE is smaller and easier to drive. The new 2020 GLE will receive a comprehensive makeover that includes an advanced suspension, new engine and Mercedes' latest infotainment system.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Class vs. Audi Q7

Though it's smaller than the GLS, the Q7 is Audi's largest SUV. It features an advanced infotainment system, active driver assists and clean, efficient interior styling. The GLS is comparatively stodgy, with buttons and knobs that some may find fiddly. But, ultimately, if you're looking for size and comfort, the GLS should be your choice, while the Q7 excels at technology.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Class vs. BMW X7

The BMW X7 is the GLS' newest competitor. It combines a high level of in-car technology with the comfort and interior flexibility that should be a match of the GLS. We haven't had a chance to drive the new X7 yet, so we can't comment on its real-world capability, but from what we've seen of its modern interior and materials, it should be a worthy competitor.

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FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 GLS-Class both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2019 GLS-Class gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 2 reviews) You probably care about Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class fuel economy, so it's important to know that the GLS-Class gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg to 18 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLS-Class has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Learn more

What's new in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class:

New GLS Grand Edition option

Part of the second GLS generation introduced for 2013 (then called the GL-Class)

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLS-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLS-Class's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2019 GLS-Class gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 2 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 GLS-Class is a good car for you. Learn more

What do people think of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and all its trim types.
Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 GLS-Class
5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
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other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 GLS-Class.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 GLS-Class featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

Which 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Classes are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.